Frida Escobedo Studio to Design Underground Expansion for Buenos Aires' MALBA Museum
Revolutionizing Urban Interaction: MALBA's Subterranean Transformation
Celebrating a Milestone: MALBA's 25th Anniversary and Visionary Expansion
In conjunction with its 25th anniversary festivities, the Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA) has officially announced a substantial underground expansion beneath Plaza Perú. This ambitious undertaking, which will effectively double the museum's display capabilities, marks a pivotal moment in its history. The renowned Taller Frida Escobedo, with offices in New York and Mexico City, has been selected to spearhead this transformative project. The studio unveiled its designs during the anniversary gala, highlighting its expertise in cultural architecture, as evidenced by its involvement in the renovation of the Centre Pompidou and a new wing for the Met Museum in New York.
Expanding Horizons: New Spaces and Enhanced Connectivity
The planned expansion for MALBA introduces a wealth of new facilities, including additional temporary exhibition halls, a modern auditorium, versatile multipurpose areas, an inviting outdoor plaza-courtyard, dedicated workshops, ample storage spaces, and streamlined offices. This comprehensive development is projected to conclude by late 2029 or early 2030, promising a new era for the institution.
Reimagining the Museum's Role: A Narrative of Growth and Community Engagement
Frida Escobedo Studio's conceptual approach to the project is rooted in MALBA's evolution: from a private collection to a vibrant institution that has progressively broadened its scope to encompass film, literature, education, and various public programs. The core objective of this expansion is to fundamentally alter how the museum interacts with Buenos Aires, encouraging new modes of visitation and engagement. The impetus for this growth also stems from the recent acquisition of the Daros Latinamerica Collection, enriching MALBA's holdings with significant Latin American art from the latter half of the twentieth century and contemporary works. This expansion is not merely about increasing physical space; it's an opportunity to holistically revitalize the museum, integrating existing areas to foster program development and strengthen its connection with the adjacent Plaza República del Perú.
Harmonizing with the City: An Underground Design Strategy
The current MALBA edifice lacks a cohesive relationship with its immediate urban surroundings. By opting for an underground expansion beneath the plaza, the design ingeniously avoids encroaching upon the park's green space while imbuing MALBA with a novel urban dimension. This subterranean strategy promises to culturally animate the plaza and redefine the museum's presence. Furthermore, the entire perimeter of the building will undergo a metamorphosis to foster greater accessibility and interaction with the street. The introduction of a new sculpture garden, a central courtyard, fresh entry points, and improved links with Plaza República del Perú will enable visitors to approach the museum from diverse directions, seamlessly intertwining the existing structure, the new extension, and the park.
Optimizing Flow and Functionality: A Unified Cultural Experience
The intervention commences with the strategic clearance of the building's central core, currently constrained by the diverse and intense activities housed within. This space will extend downwards into the subsoil, creating a direct link between the original building and the new extension. This design choice liberates the central area for communal gatherings, efficient circulation, and innovative displays. The overarching aim is to establish a seamless narrative that connects MALBA's varied cultural offerings. The new exhibition halls are conceived to coexist harmoniously with dedicated spaces for film, literary events, educational initiatives, and public outreach programs. The auditorium and multipurpose areas are designed with dual functionality, allowing for continuous access as part of a visitor's journey or independent operation, facilitating screenings, talks, educational workshops, or events outside regular hours, thereby broadening the museum's cultural footprint in the city.